Systematic Review of Vaccine Safety May Allay Parents’ Concerns

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​A systematic review of research on vaccine safety, published online July 1 in Pediatrics, updates a 2011 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on the safety of vaccines recommended for children aged six years and younger.

The evidence is strong that MMR vaccine is not associated with autism, which is consistent with previous reviews on the topic. Researchers also identified strong evidence that MMR, DTaP, Td (tetanus), Hib and hepatitis B vaccines are not associated with childhood leukemia. Studies did show an association of several serious adverse events with vaccines, but these events were very rare, such as intussusception after rotavirus vaccine.

Researchers conclude the findings may allay concerns of some parents about vaccine safety.